Supreme Court tells hospital to evaluate case of Mumbai woman seeking late abortion

A 21-year-old pregnant woman from Chembur sought permission from the Supreme Court last week to abort her 24-week foetus

In another case that could challenge the 20-week abortion deadline in the country, a 21-year-old pregnant woman from Chembur sought permission from the Supreme Court last week to abort her 24-week abnormal foetus.

The apex court on July 24 directed the state-run Sir JJ Hospital, Byculla to form a committee to evaluate the case, based on which the court would take a decision on July 28. (HT)

The doctors diagnosed the foetus with aqueductal stenosis and hydrocephalus — brain abnormalities, which causes mental retardation, in the 21st week.

The apex court on July 24 directed the state-run Sir JJ Hospital, Byculla to form a committee to evaluate the case, based on which the court would take a decision on July 28.

Dr Nikhil Datar, a Goregaon based gynaecologist who evaluated the case, helped the woman’s husband file the petition.

“They are from a poor family. The husband works as a chauffeur and the woman is a homemaker. The woman said she did not want the baby after she learnt about its condition,” he said.

He added that although there are treatment options for the baby’s condition after delivery, however, it will not repair the damage that is already done.

Doctors in the city have been pushing for a revision in the abortion deadline.

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